Therapeutic traction device



UM. 191 P. B. TERRY, JR, ET AL THERAPEUTIC TRACTION DEVICE 2SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed March 16, 1949 QVVENTORS /w W iifi/ R 5. 3 2

F M51 P. B. TERRY, JRL, ET AL 2,573,162

THERAPEUTIC TRACTION DEVICE Filed March 16, 1949 ZSHEETS-SHEET 2INVENTORS p I Patented Oct. 30, 1951 OFFICE THERAPEUTIC TRACTION DEVICEPhilip B. Terry, Jr., Hingham, and Horace R. Stodder, Holbrook, Mass.

Application March 16, 1549, Serial No. 81,646.

Our invention relates to a therapeutic exte nsion and traction device,and more particularly to a traction device designed for use inconnection with the alleviation and/or cure of spinal disorders andtheir reflex and distal manifestations, by mechanically causing aslightand temporary separation of the segments of the vertebral columnwhich later permits a more effective spinal manipulation by the operatorof the device.

The principal object of our invention is to provide simple and portableapparatus to raise and lower a patient to cause a slight separation ofthe segments of the vertebral column to relieve lowback pain or the likeresulting from muscular spasm or a trauma.

Another object is to make said apparatus or device unitary as well asportable, thus being easily moved from one patient to another.

The foregoing and other objects which will appear as the nature of theinvention is better understood, may be accomplished by a construction,combination and operative arrangement of parts such as is disclosed bythe drawings and specification. The nature of the invention is such asto render it susceptible to various changes and modifications, and,therefore, we are not to be limited to said disclosure; but are entitledto all such changes therefrom as fall within the scope of our claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of my improved tractor device. Figure 2 isan end elevational view and Figure 3 is a side elevational view thereof.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional elevational view of the upper part ofthe structure shown in said Figure 2, taken on the line 4-4, and lookingin the direction of arrows.

Referring to the drawings, the main supporting frame of our device hastwo lower frame bars III of any desirable material, but ordinarily oftubular metal, and of any desired length so as to provide stability tothe entire structure. At each end of the bars IE! is mounted a casterII, rotatable through a complete circle on a vertical axis.Approximately midway of the length of the said lower bars I and securedat their lower ends to them are upwardly extending tubular legs I2,which are of any desired or convenient length. Said lower frame bars I!)are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each otherany suitabledistance, as for example; about three feet, or of a distance-slightlygreater than the width of a table or bed I3.

The upper ends of the legs I2 are secured to a" 2 Claims. (Cl. 128--52)top I 4, constituting the top for the main supportinglframe. This top I4is ordinarily substantially rectangular in plan view, as shown in saidFigure 1, and is open and bordered with upstanding sides. As shown inFigures 1 and 2 our apparatus complete is easily movedinto and out ofposition with relation to the bed or table l3.

Secured to the said top I4 and extending angularly downwardly therefromat opposite sides thereof and adjacent the legs I2 are stationary armsupports I5, these supporting arms being further secured in position bybraces l6 attached thereto and to said top I 4. Pivotally mounted at thefree ends of the arm supports [5 are supporting levers I1, and pivotallymounted to the free ends of the levers I1 is a lift or elevator bar It.

Mounted on the top I4 is a motor M directly connected to a gear boxreduction unit I9, which gives any desired reduction between the motorshaft and the shaft 20 of the gear reduction unit I9, and in the presentinstance a to 1 reduction. Secured to the reduction unit shaft 20 is acrank arm 2| to which is pivotally attached one end of a connecting rod22. The free end of the said crank 2| is provided with slot 22a toreceive a stud 222) which adjustably holds said connecting rod 22therein. The other, or lower end, of the connecting rod 22 is pivotallyattached' to a shackle 23 that is in turn secured to the elevator bar[8. 24 designates a sling for the holding of a limb or other part of theperson to be treated and may be made of rubber, fabric, or othersuitable material. This sling 24 may be secured to the elevator bar I8in any desired manner, as by means of pins 26.

In operation our device may be wheeled into position with respect to thebed or table I3, as shown in Figure 1, and with the elevator bar I8 inappropriate position above the patient lying on such bed or table.Assuming that it is desired to apply traction to mechanically cause aslight separation of the segment of the vertebral column to relive thelowback pain, the sling 24 is placed so as to be under the thigh of thepatient, who is reclining on the bed or table I3. By starting the motorI9 in operation, the crank arm 2| is rotated about the shaft 20 as acenter, thus moving the connecting rods 22 up and down, the extent ofmovement being indicated by the arc of the swing of the supportinglevers I 1, shown in dotted lines in said Figure 4, about the pivotconnection thereof about the free end of the arm supports I5. 'Thelength of the up and down movement of the elevator bar l8 may be variedby moving and setting the said stud 22b in said slot 22a to any desiredposition.

What we claim is:

l. A therapeutic traction device comprising a main supporting frameembodying a top, a motor supported by said top, a shaft connectedthereto, an elevator bar at the upper portion of said frame and lowerthan said top, mechanism operatively connected to said elevatorbar'embodying a crank arm operatively connected to said shaft, aconnecting rod connected to said crank arm, supporting means for saidmechanism attached to said top, a supporting arm movably connected tosaid supporting means and to said elevator bar, and means connectingsaid connecting rod to said supporting arm whereby upon r0.- tation ofsaid shaft said crank arm, connecting rod and said supporting arm aremoved tethereby move said elevator bar upwardly and down-, wardly.

2. A therapeutic traction device comprising a main supporting frameembodying two lower frame bars having casters, two legs connected tosaid bars, a top connected to said legs, a motor supported by said top,a an elevator bar at the upper portion ofsaid frame and lower than saidtop, mechanism operatively shaft connected thereto,

connected to said elevator bar, embodying a crank arm operativelyconnected to said shaft, a connecting rod connected to said crank arm,supporting means for said mechanism attached to said top, a supportingarm movably connected to said supporting means and to said elevator bar,and means connecting said connecting rod to said supporting arm wherebyupon rotation of said shaft said crank arm, connecting rod and saidsupporting arm are moved to thereby move said elevator bar upwardly anddownwardly.

PHILIP B. TERRY, JR. HORACE R. STODDER.

REFERENCES CITED 0 Number Name Date 4,786,047 Wilcox Dec. 23, 19302,217,445 Kauffman Oct. 8, '1940 2,256,534 Tjaden Sept. 23, 1941 FOREIGNPATENT-5' Number Country Date 829,380 France Mar. 28, 1938

